Cold air intakes have filters that either need to be serviced or replaced every 20-30k (maybe even less to be honest). Does everyone really just remove their bumper each time to access the filters? I was dead set on doing the z1 cold air and then someone brought to my idiot attention the PITA process of removing the bumper.

 

Why would you remove the bumper? If you get the long tube intakes that come all the way up by the grill, then you can just take the shield off and get into the space between the bumper/grill and the radiator.

Not sure why they would tell you to take off the entire front bumper.

 

I don't have one, however... removing the bumper is mostly for the initial installation, not for filter replacement.

9 years later and I'm still chicken sht about removing my bumper, LOL.

 

Good point Rochester. I'm the same way. Removing body panels is something I dread because I've done it before on other cars when I've had no choice and they're for one a PITA and they hardly ever go back in the perfect position in my experience.

 

I was like that as well, now it seems like a weekly ordeal.

 

You don't have to remove it. I just pop off the plastic piece like mentioned. I also pop out the grille so I can have another angle to go in from.

 

I appreciate the insight. So minus the initial install no bumper removal needed. Seems much more doable. I was saving up for one and was about to toss the idea.

 

I'm not sure how many miles are on your car, but even though its another added step, I'd try to replace the bolts and plastic clips under your hood if you can. I painted the grill on my coupe before it was totaled by an idiot, and when I took the plastic shield off, all the plastic clips were broken and almost all the bolts were rusted and a few even broke. Granted my coupe had well over 200k on it at this point, but none-the-less, it's a step worth taking in my opinion. I'd also put anti-cease on the new bolts and try to clean the rust from the threads before putting the new bolts in. Especially if you're going to be taking this part off regularly to access your intake filters, this will make it much more manageable I would think.
To each their own, so that's just my opinion. Just sharing my experience so you at least have that as an option.